Recall Issued Against Potentially Lethal Types Of Neck Float For Babies

Queensland’s Office of Fair Trading has issued a recall against two types of neck float for babies sold on eBay after it was found to possibly cause drowning if not used properly.

Parents use the popular floats to support their baby’s neck while in the water, but the Office of Fair Trading found that two products available online were dangerous.

The floats may increase the ‘risk of drowning’ if not used correctly or if they deflated during use.

Authorities said that the floats sold by eBay sellers livingspace888 and xianan12128 did not comply with product safety standards, as well as requirements in labelling and instructions.

Fair Trading Executive Director Brian Bauer said the neck floats were originally designed to help as medical aids for children with disability, but has now become more of a recreational item.

“Unless baby neck floats are medically prescribed and professionally fitted, they can be very dangerous,” he said.

“If the float is too wide, the baby’s mouth and nose can become obstructed.

“If the float is too loose, the baby could slip through altogether. If the float is too tight, breathing may become laboured or the carotid artery compressed.

“There are also concerns around stability and the potential for the baby to tip over, particularly if other children are in the water creating an uneven surface,” he added.

The ACCC website warns that swimming and flotation aids should not be confused with safety devices.

“Parents and carers should constantly watch children using swimming aids.

“As children are still developing, they generally have limited motor (brain to muscle) coordination and are not able to judge potentially dangerous situations or react to them in time,” it stated.

Consumers who may have bought the items should return the products for a refund.

Sources: Au.be.yahoo.com and Dailymail.co.uk